Empowering Maternal Health through Collaborative Care

Dr. Hyagriv Simhan completed his undergraduate studies and medical school at Boston University. Following completion of his internship and residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Simhan completed fellowship training in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Infectious Diseases and Immunology at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Simhan is a maternal-fetal medicine physician, experienced perinatal researcher, and leader in obstetrical care clinical innovation, quality, and safety. He is experienced in clinical and translational research, with a focus on infection/inflammation, and gene-environment interactions in preterm birth. He has led single-center human subjects and translational projects in this arena and has participated collaboratively in protocol development, project design, enrollment, analysis, and publication of multicenter studies on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Dr. Simhan is the founding director of the Hatch program in University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s (UPMC) Women’s Health Service Line. Hatch is designed to champion clinical innovation in technology, operations, and payment strategies to advance health across the continuum of care.

Hatch aims to accelerate advances in virtual care, population health, and patient engagement by coordinating, integrating, and effectively advancing progress for inpatients, outpatients, and the Pittsburgh community using the full capacity of UPMC.

Jenifer LaNore is a highly regarded leader in maternal mental health, blending clinical expertise, advocacy, and personal passion to support women during the transformative stages of pregnancy and postpartum. As the founder and owner of Gracefully Balanced Perinatal Counseling, Jenifer has established a thriving psychotherapy practice specializing in maternal mental health, where she empowers women and their families to navigate the complexities of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum challenges with resilience and confidence.

With dual certifications as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Full Spectrum Doula, including a focus on bereavement, Jenifer brings unparalleled depth to her practice. She offers compassionate, evidence-based care for a wide range of maternal mental health concerns, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and the unique emotional challenges associated with fetal anomalies, medical terminations, and pregnancy loss.

Jenifer’s multidisciplinary background sets her apart. Her experience as a therapist, doula, and mother-baby hospital social worker equips her with a 360-degree perspective on maternal health. She creates a safe, supportive space for her clients, combining advanced clinical interventions with empathetic, individualized care that honors the complexities of the maternal journey.

Her dedication to excellence is evident in her credential as a Perinatal Mental Health Certified Provider through Postpartum Support International. In her pursuit of holistic care, she is also working toward certification as a Functional Hormone Specialist to address women’s health needs across their lifespan.

Jenifer’s expertise has been recognized by organizations such as MomCares and The Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation, where she has been invited to deliver impactful talks on maternal mental health. Her advocacy extends to addressing the maternal mortality crisis, fostering equitable health care, and educating professionals and communities on the importance of maternal mental well-being.

Grounded in academic excellence, Jenifer holds a Bachelor of Arts from Oakland University and a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University. Her robust educational foundation and years of hands-on experience enable her to deliver exceptional care that inspires confidence in her clients and peers alike.

Driven by her mission to elevate maternal mental health, Jenifer is not just a practitioner but also a changemaker, striving to create a world where every mother receives the care, respect, and understanding she deserves.

Alicia Lee serves as the Director, MCH Collective Impact at March of Dimes for the Houston market and facilitates a community collaborative aimed at improving maternal and infant health outcomes in Houston and Harris County, Texas, where all women attain optimal health in all phases of life including healthy birth outcomes. Previously, she was the director for Improving Maternal Health, an initiative addressing the various and complex drivers of maternal mortality and other adverse outcomes in Houston and Harris County through a comprehensive, long-term strategy. Previous employers include the Greater Houston Partnership, the American College of Physicians, and the Office of Representative John A. Culberson (TX-07). She spends her volunteer time as a member of The Junior League of Houston, Inc., a court appointed advocate with Child Advocates, Inc., a member of The Kinkaid School’s Board of Trustees, and director of government relations for Kappa Alpha Theta. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University and Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Houston – Clear Lake. She resides in Houston and has a two-year-old Labradoodle named Char Siu.